A warrior's guide to insanity

Jim Williams — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 22:52:06 GMT

“The Warrior’s Guide to Insanity” is six chapters long. The language in it isn’t pretty. But it is Andrew Brandi's ode to the aftereffects of war. And even though the emotions that spilled out onto the pages came out of the New Mexican's painful experiences in Vietnam, his story -- and writing -- are gaining notice as thousands of American warriors are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. His writings have been incorporated into treatment sessions for soldiers coming back from battle zones. And a brigadier general is considering incorporating Brandi’s book into a broad military treatment. KUNM reporter Jim Williams talks with Brandi, who lives in the Cerrillos hills south of Santa Fe , and the soldiers now mining his Vietnam experiences to learn how to deal with life after combat, including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and other maladies that they are susceptible to. Listen here.

Bern Co. spends nearly $5,000 on presidential fund-raiser for White

Jim Williams — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:13:14 GMT

Bernalillo County officials say they spent just under $5,000 on President Bush’s visit for a campaign fundraiser for Sheriff Darren White in May.

The Republican White is running for the First District Congressional seat being vacated by Heather Wilson.

Bush raised $317,000 for White’s campaign at the Los Ranchos de Albuquerque fundraiser on May 27th.

For the event, Bernalillo County Undersheriff Sal Baragiola says the county used 39 deputies, six sergeants, and four lieutenants for six hours of security. That consisted of a motorcade escort, traffic control at intersections, and security outside the home of Steve and Deborah Maestas, where guests paid between $1,000 and $5,000 each to attend the event.

New Mexico Independent: Stories by Jim Williams

A warrior's guide to insanity

Bern Co. spends nearly $5,000 on presidential fund-raiser for White